PERU: Relocating Entire Villages for Mines, Dams

[Judi Lynn]

PERU: Relocating Entire Villages for Mines, Dams
By Milagros Salazar

LIMA, Mar 2, 2010 (IPS) - Hundreds of Peruvian communities were displaced as they fled the 1980-2000 civil war. Today the government is pushing for urgent passage of a law that would facilitate the relocation of entire villages or neighbourhoods in mineral or energy-rich areas.

The draft law that the government of Alan García introduced to the single-chamber Congress for urgent consideration would move communities from areas where development projects deemed to be of "public or fundamental interest" are planned.

The bill is in the hands of two legislative committees, whose members told IPS that the debates and plenary vote would be scheduled this week.

The Justice Committee sent the bill to the Defensoría del Pueblo (ombudsman's office) and other experts to request advisory opinions, while the Women's Committee is waiting for a technical opinion from the Committee on Indigenous Peoples.

"The bill is aimed at facilitating investment by the mining industry and hydroelectric plants, which is increasing on the land of indigenous communities," said Congresswoman Gloria Ramos.

"This bill must be studied carefully, to make sure the rights of relocated communities are guaranteed," said Ramos, who chaired the multiparty committee set up to respond to indigenous demands after protests by native associations began to heat up in 2008.

More:
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=50516

[naaman fletcher]

1. Of course, the history is that the villagers get nothing.

There is no reason to believe that the average poor Peruvian (or Ecuadoran, etc.) is any better off now than they were before all these development projects. They are probably worse off.

[Peace Patriot]

2. U.S. "free trade for the rich" exemplified! U.S. puppet Garcia has a 25% approval rating.

Maybe he'll be out before this draconian "relocation" plan can be rammed through and implemented.

[protocol rv]

3. Hydroelectric power is green

It sure does help reduce CO2. Of course, a few people will have to move, but I'm sure they'll be compensated. it's the price we pay for having lightbulbs and ice.